What is the essence of the Free Methodist soul? To take it a step back, the essence of Methodism? To minister to the poor and disenfranchised. Wesley often found the converted found themselves more solvent, as they abandoned various vices they grew stable and employable and comfortable. Sadly at times, too comfortable. I fear this has been our path, to become too comfortable with our middle and upper class lifestyles to dirty ourselves with the poor and downtrodden.
Robert’s heart burned for the poor, the impetus behind his push for free pews. Our denomination broke off from the mother church championing these issues. Through the years we have abandoned our focus for middle class comfort. I believe we lost our soul through our negligence of this first priority.
As a denomination we have recently readdressed this issue. We have celebrated churches who reach the poor. That is a start in the right direction. Jeremy Thomas suggests we need to return to a methodology. Perhaps that will help. But for me in my neighborhood, the methodology is simple, love the poor.
Drive them to the social worker. Sit with them in court. Visit them in prison. Pray for them while they are sick. Hold their children. Baptize their babies. Preach their funerals. Comfort them in when their children are shot. Celebrate their graduations. Receive their love.
It’s hard to lose your soul when you are busy finding other peoples'. That’s my suggestion.
Kathy Callahan-Howell
Hey....I really like this new blog site that focuses on FMism, where we came from, where we presently are, and where we need to go. The intitial dialogue about the FM soul and its state of affairs is an excellent launch, but I must confess, quite convicting as well. I presently pastor LifeHope Community Church, an FM church in Canton, OH and we have begun the effort to reach the poor and needy in our community as we grow the congregation. We presently actively support the Clear Blue Water Project, giving thousands annually to this need and each month offer the Angel Food Ministries food units to anyone in need.
However, I still find myself feeling convicted and challenged each time I see or hear about another need around the world. Of course, I believe if we are in love with Jesus, we are going to have to be in love with those He cared about so much. WWJD truly is a great question regarding the poor and needy around us.
I pray the Lord continues to give our church here and around the world a consistent restlessnesss about our efforts and compassion for the lost and the needy.
Posted by: Charlie Young | April 03, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Goooooooooooooooood stuff pastor Charlie.
Posted by: Pastor Dave | October 21, 2008 at 01:52 PM